June 26, 2026
In
Crowning Moments
Promotion
Jenn Reasinger was recently promoted to Senior Marketing Manager.
Jenn Reasinger was recently promoted to Senior Marketing Manager.
Congratulations to Kari Pell on graduating from the LISC Charlotte Real Estate Developer Incubator (REDi) Program, a competitive training initiative designed to equip emerging real estate developers with the knowledge, resources, and relationships needed to advance impactful development projects throughout the Charlotte region.
The REDi program, supported by LISC Charlotte in partnership with the City of Charlotte and Wells Fargo, provides a cohort-based curriculum focused on building developer capacity through technical assistance, coaching, mentorship, and access to capital and industry resources. The program’s goal is to accelerate the number of credit-ready developers who are prepared to contribute to Charlotte’s growing affordable housing and commercial development pipeline.
Reflecting on the experience, Kari shared that the program reinforced her belief that addressing today’s housing challenges will require innovation, collaboration, and dedicated professionals working together to create meaningful solutions. She is grateful for the coaches, mentors, and fellow cohort members whose support, feedback, and encouragement made the experience especially valuable.
As a REDi graduate, Kari looks forward to continuing to learn, strengthen industry relationships, and explore opportunities to make a lasting impact in the communities she serves.
Silvia Balan was promoted to Regional Property Manager at Northwood Office.
Held Architecture launches with a clear purpose: to create architecture that is deeply connected to its environment and the people who inhabit it. Led by Kristina Held, a longtime advocate for high-performance, sustainable design, the firm brings a thoughtful, integrated approach to architecture—one that balances beauty, function, and environmental responsibility.
With over two decades of experience shaping the Charlotte-Mecklenburg built environment, Held has led numerous LEED and Passive House-certified projects. As Charlotte’s first Certified Passive House Consultant (2019), her expertise in energy efficiency, material health, and environmental integration has helped set new benchmarks for sustainability in the region.
“Architecture isn’t just about buildings—it’s about shaping places that support people and communities for generations,” says Kristina Held, Founder and President of Held Architecture. “At Held Architecture, we design spaces that feel intuitive, enduring, and responsive to their context—whether that’s a dense urban site, a commercial workplace, or a regenerative landscape.”
A Framework for Sustainable Design
Held Architecture’s approach is guided by five key principles:
– Beauty – Thoughtful, well-proportioned spaces that uplift the human experience.
– Place – Design that respects and responds to its surroundings, both natural and urban.
– Water & Energy – Efficient, responsible use of resources to minimize impact.
– Community – Creating spaces that foster interaction, inclusivity, and connection.
– Health & Well-being – Prioritizing non-toxic materials and indoor environmental quality.
A Track Record of Impactful Work
Held Architecture’s portfolio includes projects that demonstrate the firm’s commitment to sustainability and regenerative design, including:
– The Cannery – A mixed-use development designed with long-term sustainability in mind.
– Headquarters for Pester Pac USA – A high-performance corporate workplace integrating Passive House principles.
– Charlotte’s First Pre-Certified Passive House – A milestone project that advances regional energy efficiency standards.
As Held Architecture embarks on this next chapter, the firm remains focused on designing spaces that serve both people and the planet—spaces that endure, adapt, and inspire.
For more information, visit www.heldarch.com.